Former President Donald Trump expressed concern about the strengthening relationship between China and Russia while he faced trial in Manhattan, calling it dangerous for the U.S. and the world. He warned that the two leaders, President Xi of China and President Putin of Russia, were working together on plans to do damage. Trump also highlighted other issues, including inflation and the economy, but emphasized that the China-Russia meeting was particularly troubling to him.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met in Beijing, where they reaffirmed their partnership and condemned the U.S. for its military actions in Northeast Asia. The two leaders pledged to strengthen their ties and work together in global affairs. Putin described their cooperation as a stabilizing factor in the global arena, while Xi emphasized China’s commitment to fairness and justice. The joint statement criticized the U.S. for its hegemonic attempts to alter the balance of power in the region.
The meeting between Putin and Xi took place as Russia continued to advance in Ukraine and tensions escalated in Taiwan. Trump’s warning about China and Russia’s partnership came amid his ongoing trial in Manhattan, where he is facing charges of falsifying business records. The case involves allegations that Trump paid hush money to former adult film star Stormy Daniels to silence her about an alleged affair before the 2016 election.
Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen provided testimony in court, detailing how he was instructed by Trump to handle the payment to Daniels using personal funds. Cohen claimed he was later reimbursed by Trump and argued that Trump was aware of the transaction. The case has also involved questioning about Cohen’s history of lying under oath and discrepancies in his previous testimony to Congress and federal investigators.
Cohen’s testimony will continue under cross-examination next week, with closing arguments expected to begin shortly thereafter. Trump’s legal team has scrutinized Cohen’s credibility and the details of the payment to Daniels, arguing that Trump did not commit any wrongdoing. The trial proceedings have overlapped with Trump’s remarks about the court trying to rush the trial before the 2024 election, which he believes is an attempt to harm him politically.
Court proceedings will pause on Friday to allow Trump to attend his son Barron’s high school graduation in Florida. Trump criticized the court for rushing the trial and accused them of attempting to harm him for political reasons. As the trial continues, the escalating tensions between China, Russia, and the U.S. raise concerns about the implications for global stability and security. Trump’s comments reflect his apprehension about the changing dynamics in international relations and the potential impact on the U.S. and its allies.
